Game Day
My eyes were drawn to the baseball field. As I drove past, I could see that it was lit up as bright as day, beckoning for the team to come and play. But then someone threw the switch, and utter darkness enveloped the field.
Darkness. It comes when we least expect it, sneaking in like a thief attempting to steal our joy. Darkness comes in pain, tragedy, loss, sadness, brokenness, and the list goes on. It comes on so suddenly and threatens to smother out the light. But really, darkness has no power, if only thinks it does.
Luke 23:44-46 says:
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.
For the next few days, Christians all over the world will reflect on the Easter season. Maundy Thursday is a time of darkness, and heaviness fills our hearts as we reflect on the life of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us in death. But Sunday is coming, and we know the rest of the story. Jesus did breathe His last, but He also rose again. The tomb was empty, death was defeated, and one day He will return again to wipe every tear from our eyes.
In the meantime, friends, we have a job to do. We live in a world of people who are walking around in darkness, and they don’t know about the Light. When hard times come, or tragedy strikes, they do not know there is a hope and a future in Christ for all those who believe.
As we walk through this Easter season, and through every season in life, let’s make it our mission to share the love of Jesus with others.
In a little while, I will drive past that baseball field again, but this time it will be daylight. Laughter and cheering will soon follow as kids take the field and fans encourage the players along. Life reminds me of a baseball game. Sometimes we’re running the bases, moving from one life moment to the next. Other times we’re fielding line drives or pop flies coming straight for us. Still other times, we’re in the stands, cheering like crazy for the ones around us.
It’s game day, friends. As you take the field in this game of life, tell everyone about the hope you have in you because of Jesus Christ. Don’t worry about the pitches thrown at you, or if someone turns out the lights. Just keep your eyes on Jesus, and give it all you’ve got, because with Him, you are on the winning team. You don’t wait for Sunday to celebrate the victory!
